The Major League Baseball season is more than halfway over which means time is running out to make a run in your fantasy baseball league. With the trade deadline approaching, now is the time to start looking at those set-up men that will inherit the closer position when teams decide to make a change. The Fantasy Sports Corner has a list of ten potential closers for those in need of saves for the stretch run:
1. Leo Nunez (Marlins) – 3.56 era, 1.19 whip, 13 holds, 7 saves
If Nunez is still available in your league and you are in need of saves, stop reading and go pick him up. When closer Matt Lindstrom first went down with an injury, the Florida Marlins went to a committee of lefty Dan Meyer and righty Leo Nunez. Nunez has emerged as the favorite by getting the last 3 save chances and converting them all. The plan is to ease Lindstrom back into closing duties, so Nunez will have a chance for a few more saves. If Nunez continues to pitch well and Lindstrom does not improve on his miserable first half, then the closer’s job could be handed to Nunez permanently.
2. C.J. Wilson (Rangers) – 2.86 era, 1.27 whip, 8 holds, 10 saves
Texas Rangers closer Frank Francisco got off to a stellar start in 2009. However, injuries and a current case of pneumonia have limited him. When Francisco has not be available, C.J. Wilson has filled in admirably. Wilson won’t be handed the full-time job anytime soon, but Francisco has not shown that he has trouble staying healthy. So if you are in need of saves, C.J. Wilson is a set-up man to own.
3. Jon Rauch (Diamondbacks) – 4.25 era, 1.35 whip, 6 holds, 2 saves
The numbers don’t look great, but Jon Rauch has really turned things around lately. He has only allowed 3 earned runs in his last 10 innings and with the Arizona Diamondbacks looking like sellers at the trade deadline, he may get another shot to close. There are trade rumors around current Diamondbacks closer Chad Qualls, so Rauch could be in line for some second-half saves.
4. Ramon Troncoso (Dodgers) – 1.95 era, 1.25 whip, 10 holds, 5 saves
Los Angeles Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton is dealing with a nagging toe injury that manager Joe Torre feels could be a problem for the rest of the season. When Broxton has been unable to pitch, set-up man Ramon Troncoso has filled in and has proven very dependable. Broxton has done well since the All-Star break, but with a chance of missed days and a D.L. stint, Ramon Troncoso makes a nice second-half sleeper.
5. Jim Johnson (Orioles) – 3.05 era, 1.26 whip, 14 holds, 1 save
Trade rumors are swirling around Baltimore Orioles closer George Sherrill. The Orioles are definitely sellers and with quite a few teams showing interest there is a good chance Sherrill will be moved. Jim Johnson would get the first crack at the closer’s job and should do just fine. Johnson’s strikeout rate leaves a lot to be desired, but the 25-year-old can be relied on to get outs.
6. John Grabow (Pirates) – 3.65 era, 1.50 whip, 16 holds, 0 saves
Current Pittsburgh Pirates closer Matt Capps has a lot of job security and isn’t a free agent until 2012. However, there have been some trade rumors (with the Marlins showing interest), and if he were to be moved then John Grabow would step into the closer’s role. The Pirates have been winning some games this year, so with a Capps trade Grabow would become a solid fantasy closer.
7. Matt Thornton (White Sox) – 2.85 era, 1.20 whip, 15 holds, 1 save
Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks has given up six runs in his last four appearances. Ozzie Guillen has been quoted as saying that Jenks will remain the closer. His actual quote was, “He’s my closer and if people don’t want him to be my closer, don’t come to the God damn games.” With a strong bullpen, the White Sox could look to trade Jenks or he could just pitch himself out of a job. If either of these things happen, Matt Thornton should get first shot at the closer’s role.
8. Joe Beimel (Nationals) – 3.35 era, 1.33 whip, 10 holds, 1 save
Mike MacDougal is surprisingly doing a fine job closing games for a struggling (to say the least) Washington Nationals baseball team. However, Manager Jim Riggleman has said that he wants to use the dreaded closer-by-committee approach. MacDougal will be the favorite in the committee, but his peripherals suggest he is due for a big fall. Next in line would be Joe Beimel. Beimel is only 1 for 5 in save opportunities this year, so he is a risky option as well and probably best left for NL-only fantasy leagues. Sean Burnett is a sleeper here and has pitched extremely well in his short time with the Nationals.
9. LaTroy Hawkins (Astros) – 2.36 era, 1.24 whip, 11 holds, 10 saves
Houston Astros closer Jose Valverde has been great so far in the second half. LaTroy Hawkins filled in quite well for Valverde while he was on the D.L. and would do so again if Valverde were to succumb to injury (which is always a possibility). If the Astros were to fall out of the race there is the potential for Valverde to be traded as he is a free agent. Hawkins is also a free agent which is why he is toward the bottom of the list.
10. Ryan Madson (Phillies) – 3.10 era, 1.20 whip, 16 holds, 4 saves
Ryan Madson was one of the best set-up men in baseball for the Philladelphia Phillies in the first half. When current closer Brad Lidge went on the D.L., Madson got a chance to see if his 8th inning skills would translate to the 9th inning. Madson learned quickly that closing games is not easy and he struggled mightily in the role. Brad Lidge is back closing games for the Phillies and Madson is settling back into his set-up role here in the second half. However, Lidge is still proving to be awfully hittable and although he says his knee is 100% there is always the possibility of another trip to the D.L. All of this makes Ryan Madson a sleeper closer and his numbers will not hurt you if you’re looking for help in ERA, WHIP, and K/9.
